Thank You, Matt Prater - for making the winning kick at the gun of this morning's 16-13 victory over the Cardinals (BTV & NFLN highlights, Gamebook). For at least a day, we'll shelve the notion that your contract is richer than should be given a Broncos kicker.

Self-serving gratitude aside, a few important questions appeared to have been answered in last night's game, at least temporarily:

Getting away from the Mile High air allowed for some actual kick returns, and Omar Bolden, who was clearly itching to go on Jay Feely's first touchback, returned his third kickoff 103 yards for the Broncos' lone touchdown in more than four quarters. It was also the team's first second-half score since the opener against Chicago.

Jim Leonhard also had a nice return, on a punt, and he paired it with some nice thumping in the defensive secondary - even if one of his seemingly timely hits resulted in Arizona's only touchdown.

Only nine months after surgery to repair a torn ACL, Knowshon Moreno showed why the Broncos cannot afford to cut him. He ran well for someone not coming off a serious knee injury, and what does that tell us about his supposed lackluster work ethic? Yeah, so Josh McDaniels drafted him. Get over it.

Ronnie Hillman showed off the speed, quickness, agility, and decisiveness that made him a third-round pick. Anyone still think sending a high pick or two to Jacksonville and giving ~$10M/year to a 27-year-old high-mileage running back sounds like a good idea?

Look for Denver to keep four running backs - Willis McGahee, Hillman, Moreno, and Lance Ball, whose status as a game captain speaks volumes about what the coaches think of him.

Brock Osweiler looked more functional, and less prone to ducking early and tucking. But QB talk brings up the biggest question that was raised last night, and that is, what should the Broncos do with Caleb Hanie?

After a fine performance against San Francisco on Sunday, Hanie struggled mightily yesterday - taking five sacks including one that prevented a FG attempt before halftime.

Yet, it's hard to envision Denver going with just Osweiler behind Peyton Manning. Weber did save the night for all of us, but he doesn't strike as a #2 NFL quarterback just yet. Who knows, maybe the team finds a better alternative to Hanie via the waiver wire tonight?

Philip Blake, Malik Jackson, and Danny Trevathan also excelled, making it appear that at least five of Denver's seven 2012 draftees (Wolfe, Hillman, Bolden, Jackson, Trevathan) will be regular game-day actives this season, if not significant contributors.

The replacement referees were again abysmal; however much they could potentially improve over the course of a season, there's just no chance they'd be up to an adequate level. Of the seven penalties called against Denver, perhaps two or three weren't highly questionable.

Prior to the game, all 25 of Denver's inactive players (starters plus Chris Harris, Brandon Stokley, and Keith Brooking) worked out on the field. Manning worked with his wideouts and tight ends afterward.

With the team set to make 20 cuts today, the coaching staff and personnel department will meet this morning, and an announcement will likely come several hours prior to the 9pm ET deadline.

Jeff Legwold says the Broncos have tough calls to make at linebacker and defensive line, but the idea that Malik Jackson is anywhere near the bubble is absurd.

Mike Klis speculates that the decision whether to keep Hanie could come down to a choice between him and Brooking, Leonhard, or Moreno. If that's the case, then farewell, Caleb.

It also seems doubtful that Julius Thomas's potential will make him more worthy of keeping than any of those bubble players.

Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has made it quite clear that mediocrity in 2012 won't be enough for Andy Reid to hang onto his job.

Scrapple

Chase Stuart's statistical analysis of QBs continues with a look at playoff performances. He finds that John Elway's performance in his final game ranks as the ninth-best SB by a quarterback, and the playoff career of JE also ranks ninth all-time. Sitting ahead of both Elway and Tom Brady is one Peyton MF Manning.

Ted reviews the Broncos' 75-man roster and opines who should make the team, and what competitions to watch for in the final preseason game

AR -- I also never understood the antipathy towards Bell. I know he had some baggage and was a bit of an idiot, but it was low-level idiocy. He ran pretty well, especially when he came in off the bench of the cell phone kiosk in the mall. I was hoping he'd hang around a bit after he scored two TDs in his last game. Oh well.

Posted by jvill on 2012-08-31 13:53:34

Bolden was considered a second round talent before injuring his knee last year, and he seems to have recovered well. And as Eastie says, Omar was also just drafted last year.

Plus: defenses require lots of DB depth these days, we have one of our starting CBs on a 1-year contract, and Bolden is widely seen as a great value pick by personnel peeps both inside and outside the Broncos.

Bolden ain't going anywhere.

Posted by jvill on 2012-08-31 13:46:49

Problems with Knowshon I've observed:1. Celebrations after every gain- looks foolish especially in the 4th preseason game. look, if you are even playing in the 4th preseason game and aren't a rookie, you probably are better off staying angry and taking care of business. 2. trouble finding the hole when it opens up for him (some recent bronco backs were far better in this regard, notably Henry, Travis)3. Fast but not fast enough to consistently make gains running around the edge4. Dances around too much to be a one cut and go, fall forward kind of back.5. Fights like hell for yards after contact (nice) but often after failing to find the hole (see 2 above) and makes fumbles more likely.All of the above can be disregarded when he plays against the Chiefs.

Posted by MississippiMudWalk on 2012-08-31 13:40:21

Kronk - I'd like to add, play nice. And you have the right to any opinion you like, but the more reasons you give and the more support for the opinion, the better. You like Player X or you don't like Player X for hopefully for good reasons, but negativity for the sake of negativity is best taken to other sites.l

Posted by A R on 2012-08-31 13:15:49

Chicago's Oline was pretty craptastic as well, so that might explain Hanie's history. He certainly has an Orton-like feel for the pocket, and moved himself into a few sacks last night. He also pulled a Tebow a few times, turning his back to the play and running around. You'll never see Peyton pull that move.

But with a pretty pocket to work from, Hanie is serviceable. Better teams will just start blitzing the hell out of him and force him into his happy feet.

Well, eventually someone will get after him. If he can't handle it, then maybe he's in the wrong profession.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-08-31 13:01:43

Hey Boz, thanks for the welcome on the other post, but I couldn't figure out how to reply to you there -- so now you know that I wasn't kidding. I'm legitimately technology-challenged and social media-averse.

It didn't make sense to me that I seem to be "joining Disqus" rather than IAOFM... and that I couldn't do so until AFTER I tried to do something (create a comment, then join?).

But I'll figure it out. As you said; love the Broncos - check. Sense of humor - check.

Posted by KRONK_00 on 2012-08-31 12:57:50

Good thoughts, Jonathan. Interesting way of looking at it.

Hanie might be able to do less damage short term, but he's still not a very good QB. I'd say ditch him, keep an extra RB (whose skills might be needed if Manning suffers a minor injury), and go after McCown, if he's a better prospect.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-08-31 12:53:56

So Bell is actually #9 and not #10 as I recalled? Huh.

Posted by A R on 2012-08-31 12:42:43

I think the biggest difference between Caleb Hanie's play last night and against the 49ers in backup OL vs starting OL. When he got good protection and had talent around him against the 49ers he looked good. When he's had guys taking free runs at him (exemplified by Philip Blake's whiff) he has looked bad.

Posted by GmanS05 on 2012-08-31 12:40:34

I thought that CJ Davis was consistently tough and finished blocks well. He struggled at times with footwork when they ran full zone, but in inside zone plays he was very effective and I think he might make the interior depth stronger. Blake hasn't had a great camp from the descriptions - it will be interesting to see if they keep as a developmental 4th round pick or try to PS him.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-08-31 12:36:28

Needs 481 to catch Humphries and 686 to catch Bell.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-08-31 12:29:24

@AR speak for yourself, Tatum Bell stole a piece of my heart when I learned how unfairly good he was on Madden (05-06). 95 speed? Are you kidding me?

Posted by Trill_Schmitt on 2012-08-31 12:14:45

It's the NFL. Every player is 1 hit away... it's why i laugh when they say that about PMFM.NoShow caught a tough break on that hit to the knee last year. He's shown plenty of burst when reasonably healthy, just has a bit of a tough time running downhill.... a mostly mental problem, and something that can be fixed. Watching how Willis does it has to help.

Cutting him would be a mistake at this stage.

Posted by BottomfedBuddha on 2012-08-31 12:04:45

Knowshon is 11th? How soon before he gets to #10 and passes fan favorite Tatum Bell?

Wait, my bad, the fan favorite I was thinking of was Peyton Hillis. No one liked Tatum Bell even though he produced more as a Bronco.

Posted by A R on 2012-08-31 11:47:12

Mule - I base it on two things:

1. Actual regular-season game experience; and 2. The opinions of the front office staff and coaches who have favored Hanie, as based on preseason game playing time.

Keep in mind that I don't particularly like Hanie at all. To me, Weber is an unknown quantity who is likely to be overwhelmed facing first string NFL defenses. Hanie seems like the least risky proposition in the event that a temporary bandage is needed to keep things from completely tanking. If Manning goes down for the season, then I would support either of the other two over Hanie so as to spur development and to see whether potential can be realized.

Hopefully this is all for naught -

Posted by Jonathan Dunn on 2012-08-31 11:42:25

Absolutely true, Bob; their second OL, other than Blake and Ramirez (a temp starter), desperately needs help. I just don't yet know who might be available. For this Saints thing, was thinking Broncos could be tempted by another WR if they're not crazy about the depth right now. But yes would like them to acquire a solid OL.

Posted by underdog on 2012-08-31 11:40:28

That is my biggest problem with Moreno. Not his happy feet, but rather his inability to stay healthy. Who cares how good he is if he gets injured yet again and can't play for a large portion of yet another season.

Posted by DavidInLA on 2012-08-31 11:34:55

We can keep Moreno or cut him, just don't ever believe we can depend on him.

Posted by Yahmule on 2012-08-31 11:27:11

What would you base that argument upon, Jonathan? What evidence has Hanie provided to suggest he's any better than Weber? One more year of experience and demonstrably inept performances when asked to play? Losing his interim job to Josh McCown?

Posted by Yahmule on 2012-08-31 11:21:03

Its time to end the Julius Thomas experiment. Dude has raw natural ability but he can't seem to put it together on the field. Cut Hanie. Cut JT. Keep Jackson, keep Leonhard. And Danny MF Travathan is an absolute diamond in the rough. We are extremely lucky to have him.

Posted by Chad N Jensen on 2012-08-31 11:04:21

No, but having just been drafted 4-5 months ago in the 4th round is.

Posted by EastCoastBronco7 on 2012-08-31 10:59:20

Health is a part of productivity. I don't care if a guy averages 8 yards a carry, it does this team no good if he spends most of his career polishing the pine.

Oh, 9 months isn't long enough to fully heal a torn ACL. It still needs another 3 months minimum. So, we're gonna put Moreno back on the field with a fragile ACL so he can tear it and sit out another 12 months. Yeah, smart move.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-08-31 10:51:06

Johnson also made some special team plays that you won't get out of Brooking.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-08-31 10:50:49

Knowshon Moreno is 11th all-time in Denver rushing and has a 4.1 career avg. per attempt. Knowshon's problem isn't productivity, its maintaining health with his running style. You get Moreno in space and he is as good as any running back.

Posted by sleepyteak on 2012-08-31 10:46:56

Knowshon running against the #2's doesn't mean squat. And, even though I do think McDaniels was a nightmare here, that isn't why I'm not impressed with Moreno. I'm not impressed with Moreno because of his lack of production during the regular season. The few times he ran against the 1's this year wasn't impressive, either.

Waiver wire instead of Haney. He hasn't caught on by now, it's highly unlikely that will improve. Of course if PFM goes down, the season's a wash. Might as well put Osweiler in and go for the draft pick.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-08-31 10:27:43

Nothing about a surplus of O-linemen, though, which is what the Broncos need.

Posted by Bob on 2012-08-31 10:24:30

Oh, and I will add that I'd rather cut Brooking and keep the younger LBs we have. Sure, having a longtime veteran would be nice, but Danny Trevathan and Nate Irving have done enough to convince me they belong on the roster and I don't think the Broncos could slip Steven Johnson onto the practice squad after his play the past two weeks.

Posted by Bob on 2012-08-31 10:17:36

I suspect Caleb Hanie's spot will be safe when initial cuts are made, but there's no guarantee it will be safe after that point. If the Dolphins do release David Garrard, as has been speculated, the Broncos might view him as an upgrade over Hanie. But I just can't see them going with Weber as the No. 2 guy -- and I honestly believe the Broncos do not want Brock Osweiler as the No. 2 guy this season -- next season, yeah, but they clearly want this to be a season in which Osweiler sits back and learns while, if Peyton misses time, somebody else handles the QB duties.

In looking at other teams, though, not a lot of them currently have four QBs on their roster and may not release veterans. If the Steelers let either Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch go, I'd say the Broncos should get that player, but I doubt the Steelers will release either guy. Otherwise, I don't see much out there regarding veteran QBs who are likely to be cut and who I would safely call an upgrade over Hanie. Garrard is the only one, unless you think somebody like Seneca Wallace, Trent Edwards or John Beck would be the guy.

Posted by Bob on 2012-08-31 10:16:11

Hmmmm anyone see a fit here?

"@JasonLaCanfora: As I wrote in my Saints story last night, New Orleans is a team looking for LBs but with a surplus of WRs and RBs"

Posted by underdog on 2012-08-31 10:12:43

Great job as usual Doug,

Couldn't agree more regarding Malik Jackson, Danny Trevathan and Ronnie Hillman. Malik Jackson was especially impressive to me as he was in the defensive backfield all night from a variety of positions.

But I don't think Phillip Blake had a strong pass protection game. He looked slow footed and completely immobile and whiffed on a couple of blocks. I don't know that he's going to work here long term.

Posted by RockyMtnThunder on 2012-08-31 10:10:13

What else has Bolden done besides that kick return last night? Is it enough to keep him on the roster?

Posted by Andy Featherstone on 2012-08-31 10:07:47

Yahmule - I don't think that anyone would make the argument that Hanie would salvage a season in the event that the worst happens. In general, the presumptions that I have seen are that Manning either survives the entire season or is dealt a season-ending injury. I have not, however, seen much speculation as to the likelihood that Manning suffers a minor (relatively) injury which prevents him from playing a few games. If this were to happen, which of the guys on the roster is most likely to keep the bus out of the ditch while he is out? I would argue that Hanie, bolstered by the running game and good defense, would give the Broncos a better chance to win a few games and keep the general course of things on track. I'm not enthusiastic about the guy - I just think that he'd screw it up less in the event that Manning gets dinged and all hope for the season is not lost.

Posted by Jonathan Dunn on 2012-08-31 09:52:48

Thanks again, Doug, TJ, Doc, Ted. I wasn't able to catch the game this morning/ last night and your thoughts and links make it so I don't have to!

Posted by Ralph_W on 2012-08-31 09:43:18

I agree. Brooking has had a great career, but his usefulness on the field is nearly over. I would like to see Weber leapfrog Hanie into the backup role. Is there anybody who believes Hanie will step in and rescue the season if the worst happens? His 0-4 record last season with Chicago's playoff hopes on the line is exactly what would happen in Denver. Nine interceptions against three TD passes in 102 pass attempts. A 50% completion rating and a QB rating of 41.8.

They want to maintain the charade that they are real games, hence why there is overtime. If I had my way there would be no overtime, no reviews of any kind and only one timeout per team per half. Well they are over now for another year and real games are coming.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-08-31 08:56:16

I am think Fox's overemphasis on experience over ability may cause him to want to keep Hanie and Brooking over more useful players. Brooking is just going to strain something again when he comes back and Hanie is just going to be Hanie if he has to play and the team will have cut a good RB or DB for them.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2012-08-31 08:52:35

Have to keep Julius Thomas. He's an absolute beast in Madden and I need him for my franchise.

Posted by Christian LeBrilla on 2012-08-31 08:30:54

I thought there was no overtime in the preseason. I seem to remember a game a while back that just ended on a tie in the preseason.

Posted by Myron Giddings Jr on 2012-08-31 08:26:59

Thanks as usual Doug, for all your hard work putting this together every day. You got us through another off season, and now we can talk some real football. I can't remember when I was so excited about the Broncos chances.

Also I have to laugh when I get the ad for Wildcat tickets here in Sun Devil territory.